Ethernet vs WiFi for Gaming: Does It Really Matter?

Short answer: yes, ethernet is better for gaming. But probably not as much better as the internet would have you believe. Let me explain the actual differences.

What Actually Matters for Gaming

Latency (Ping)

This is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the game server and back. Lower is better. In competitive games, the difference between 20ms and 50ms ping can affect your performance.

Ethernet typically adds 1-3ms latency. WiFi adds 3-10ms on a good connection, potentially 20-50ms+ on a poor one. So in ideal conditions, the difference is small. But WiFi latency is inconsistent—it can spike randomly.

Packet Loss

Sometimes data packets don't arrive. With games, this causes rubber-banding, teleporting enemies, or inputs not registering. This is where WiFi really suffers compared to ethernet.

Ethernet: essentially 0% packet loss unless your cable is damaged.
WiFi: varies from 0% to several percent depending on interference, distance from router, and network congestion.

Bandwidth

Here's the thing most people don't realise: games use very little bandwidth. A typical online game uses 20-80 Mbps at most. Even WiFi from the early 2010s handles that easily.

Bandwidth only matters if others in your house are streaming 4K while you're gaming. Then yes, ethernet guarantees your gaming traffic doesn't compete for airtime.

When Ethernet Makes a Real Difference

• Competitive gaming – If you play ranked matches in fast-paced games (shooters, fighting games), every millisecond matters. Go wired.
• WiFi problems – If your WiFi is already flaky (drops, slowdowns), gaming will suffer. Ethernet solves this completely.
• Busy networks – Multiple family members streaming, downloading, video calling? Ethernet ensures your gaming isn't affected.
• Streaming gameplay – If you stream on Twitch/YouTube while gaming, you need stable upload. Ethernet is essential.

When WiFi Is Fine

• Casual gaming – Single-player games, turn-based games, or casual multiplayer? WiFi is fine.
• Good WiFi setup – If you have a decent router, you're close to it, and interference is low, WiFi gaming can be almost as good as wired.
• Modern WiFi 6/6E – The latest WiFi standards have much better latency and consistency than older versions.

Practical Solutions

If you can run ethernet, do it. Even a long cable (up to 100m) works perfectly. It's the simplest, most reliable solution.

If you can't run ethernet:

• Get a quality mesh WiFi system and place a unit near your gaming setup
• Use 5GHz band, not 2.4GHz (faster, less interference)
• Consider MoCA adapters if you have coaxial cable (TV) points near both router and gaming setup—they're almost as good as ethernet
• Powerline adapters are hit-or-miss but worth trying

Our Recommendation

For serious gamers: run ethernet. We install ethernet points all the time—a single point to your gaming room is straightforward and solves the problem permanently.

For casual gamers: improve your WiFi if needed, but don't stress about ethernet. A good mesh system will serve you well.